Historic Kenmore Plantation

Built
by George Washington's sister, Betty Washington Lewis, and her husband, Fielding
Lewis, this beautiful, Georgian-style, brick mansion reflects the pre-Revolutionary-War
wealth and status of the Fredericksburg merchant.

During the Revolutionary War, Lewis loaned the state of Virginia money to
build and support a gun factory in Fredericksburg. At the time of his death
in 1781, he was still owed £7000, but it was never repaid. He also lost a great
deal of money during the war because he was not able to carry on his mercantile
business with England. However, his house still stands—with its elegant
exterior and interior rooms adorned with colorful paint, wallpaper, and decorative
plaster ceilings.

A visit to Kenmore starts in the Crowninshield Museum building (just to the
left of the front gate) where there are displays of 18th-century furniture
and decorative arts. A new introductory exhibit, The Patriots Lewis: What Would
You Give, with accompanying hands-on activities for children, tells this powerful
narrative through key pieces from the Foundation's collection.

A comprehensive refurnishing of the mansion is ongoing, and period furniture
and interior details increasingly offer a descriptive setting for this historic
story. Learn more about the refurnishing project via the blog, The
Rooms at Kenmore.

The Dining Room is aglow with its newly-installed carpet and period furnishings
returned. View the carpet installation in this fast motion video.

An interpreter will lead a 45-minute tour of the first floor of the
house and the kitchen dependency. After the tour, visitors are welcome to enjoy
the gardens and grounds (approximately 3 acres) at their leisure.

A convenient, money-saving, combination ticket is available for guests who want to visit both Kenmore and Ferry Farm.